Vulnerable
In accordance with IUCN criteria, a species is considered to be Vulnerable if it is facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.
Species data
Class
Reptilia
Order
Testudines
Family
Chelidae
Scientific Name
Hydromedusa maximiliani
Reserve locations
Brazil
Brazilian Snake-necked turtles are one of the smallest species of freshwater turtle, with a long, snake-like neck protruding form a flat, grey or brown shell. The head and neck often show paler markings.
Behaviour
This turtle is endemic to south-eastern Brazil. As a resident of cold water upland streams, it is reliant on gaps in forest cover for basking.
Main image credit: Josh Henderson/flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0).
Habitat
Freshwater rivers and streams with sandy or gravel bottoms, in areas of mountainous Atlantic forest.
Threats and Conservation
Loss of its Atlantic rainforest habitat through commercia logging and to make way for agricultural and urban expansion is the major factor driving declines. In addition, water pollution is a significant problem. Outside of protected areas, Brazilian Snake-necked turtles are extremely fragmented and vulnerable.